Spaghetti with meatballs

Italian · Pasta · 1 hr · Serves 4

Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over spaghetti—this is the kind of comforting pasta dish that brings everyone to the table. It's easier than you'd think, and tastes like you've been cooking all day.

Ingredients

• 1 lbground beef
• 1/2 cupbreadcrumbs
• 1egg
• 1/4 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
• 3garlic cloves, minced
• to tastesalt and pepper
• 2 tbspolive oil
• 28 ozcanned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsptomato paste
• 1 tspdried oregano
• 1 lbspaghetti
• handfulfresh basil

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don't overwork it.

2. 2

   Roll mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball (you should get 16–20). Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.

3. 3

   Working in batches, brown meatballs on all sides until golden, about 8–10 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.

   8-10 min

4. 4

   In the same pot, stir tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and oregano, then return meatballs to the pot. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   20-25 min

5. 5

   While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.

   10-12 min

6. 6

   Drain pasta and divide among bowls. Spoon meatballs and sauce over top. Tear fresh basil over each serving and add a pinch more Parmesan if you like.